Gordon Apologizes to Fans, Teammates

2 years ago

(Cleveland) - The NFL is suspending the Browns Josh Gordon for one season.

Gordon can apply for reinstatement following the 2014/2015 season.

On May 9, 2014, reports surfaced that Gordon could be suspended for the entire 2014 season because of a 2nd failed drug test.

On July 5, 2014, Gordon was arrested for driving while impaired in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Despite being very talented, Josh Gordon has a somewhat troubled football history.

Gordon accepted an athletic scholarship to play football for Baylor University. However in October 2010, during his sophomore year, he and teammate Willie Jefferson were found asleep at a local Taco Bell.

Police found marijuana in Jefferson’s car. Jefferson, who was driving, was kicked off the team due to it being his second violation, but Gordon was only suspended.

In July 2011, Gordon was suspended indefinitely by head coach Art Briles, for later failing a drug test and testing positive for marijuana.

In August 2011, Gordon transferred to Utah, where he sat out the 2011 season declaring too late for the 2011 Supplemental Draft. He was taken in the second round of the 2012 Supplementary Draft by the Cleveland Browns.

On July 16, 2012, Gordon signed a 4 year, $5.3 million deal with the Browns.

Gordon finished among the top rookie receivers in the 2012 draft class, with 50 catches, for 805 yards, and 5 touchdowns.

Gordon scored his first career touchdown against the New York Giants, where he finished the game with 2 catches for 82 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Gordon achieved his first 100 yard game against the Oakland Raiders in week 13, where he finished with 6 catches for 116 yards and 1 touchdown. He had a career high of 8 catches against the Kansas City Chiefs in week 14.

On June 7, 2013, the NFL announced that Gordon would be suspended for the first two games of the 2013 season due to violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

During week 12, Gordon had 237 receiving yards and in week 13, 261 yards. It marked the second time in NFL history a wide receiver had consecutive 200-yard receiving games, and first time in the regular season.

On December 27, 2013, Josh Gordon was voted to his first Pro Bowl Selection.

Gordon finished the 2013 season as the NFL's leader in receiving yards, with 1,646 yards and was named First-Team All-Pro alongside Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions.

His one season suspension upheld by the NFL, Browns' WR Josh Gordon has issued a statement apologizing to his teammates and Browns' fans.

“I’d like to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the Cleveland Browns organization and our fans. I am very disappointed that the NFL and its hearing officer didn’t exercise better discretion and judgment in my case. I would like to sincerely thank the people who have been incredibly supportive of me during this challenging time, including my family, my agent, my union, my legal team, and the Cleveland Browns staff.”